Bio of McALPINE, Michael (b.1853), Wright Co., MN
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361 HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
Michael McAlpine, a leading farmer of Corinna township, and proprietor
of a well-patronized summer resort, was born near Toronto, Canada, March
27, 1853, son of John and Nancy (McCune) McAlpine. The parents came from
Canada in 1856, and lived in Saginaw, Mich., seven years, and in St. Paul,
Minn., three years. In 1866 they came to Maple Lake township in this county
and purchased eighty acres of land. They built a log house, 16 by 22 feet,
with a slab roof and a board floor. Seventeen acres were cleared the first
winter. This was done by hand, for it was two years before they were able
to purchase a yoke of oxen and a cow. They made a wooden-toothed harrow
from poles and brush. The wheat was reaped with a scythe and a cradle,
and marketed in Monticello. The first winter they had no meat, and they
had no means of killing wild game. The next summer the deer proved to be
a great nuisance. Sometimes twelve or fifteen at once would come into
the clearing to eat turnips. The children of the family caught the fawns
and raised them as pets. Thus the family passed through the joys and
sorrows of pioneer life, and as the years passed prosperity came to them.
The father died in August, 1894; the mother in February, 1892. Michael
McAlpine was reared on the farm, and lived at home until 1883, when he
bought eighty acres in section 25, Corinna township. Like his father before
him, he became a pioneer. He erected a log house, 16 by 20, with a shingled
roof and a board floor, and started farming with two cows and a span of
three-year-old colts. By hard work and diligent endeavor, he has achieved
prosperity in unusual measure. He now owns 204 acres of good land, with a
sightly home, and roomy buildings. He has just completed a modern barn,
32 by 74 feet, with cement floor and patent stanchions, the structure
having a capacity of thirty cows, twelve horses and 100 tons of hay.
Aside from his extensive operations along the lines of general farming,
he raises graded Shorthorn cattle, Poland China swine and Plymouth Rock
chickens. The farm lies on the shores of Summer lake, and the
362 HISTORY OF WRIGHT COUNTY
160-rod gravel beach is one of the best in the county. This beach has
caused a demand for summer accommodations by people who come to visit it,
and Mr. McAlpine has accordingly opened a resort. He has more applications
than he can accommodate, but usually cares for about twenty-five guests
throughout the summer. The rooms are cool and airy, and the food is of
the best. Four boats are provided, and the lake abounds in all the best
game fish. Mr. McAlpine is a popular man in the community, and has served
seven years as a member of the school board of district 119. The family
attends the Catholic church in Maple Lake. Mr. McAlpine was married
November 11, 1879, to Margaret Welton, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dacy)
Welton. In the family there are ten children: Martin D. was born November
9, 1880, was married June 7, 1904, to Elizabeth O'Rourke, and lives in
Maple Lake. Samuel P. was born November 25, 1882, and was married April
8, 1913, to Mary Murphy. He lives in Butte, Mont. Mary Loretta was born
December 2,1884. Anna Ethel was born December 28, 1886, and was married
June 8, 1910, to Albert Miller, of Maple Lake. Michael F. was born October
17, 1888, was married August 16, 1911, to Minnie Enghauser, and lives two
and a half miles west of Maple Lake. John Joseph was born April 1, 1890.
Elizabeth Agnes was born June 30, 1893, and died April 25, 1894. Margaret
Evelyn was born July 4, 1895; Grace Marie was born January 15, 1901; and
Edward Jerald was born September 17, 1904.